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Eight children (aged 8 mo to 13 yr) with cystic fibrosis (CF) and growth failure were given home nocturnal nasogastric feeding of an elemental diet for 3 mo and re-evaluated 3 mo after cessation of tube feeding. An increase in energy intake (p <0.05) resulted in increased serum transferrin (p <0.005), retinol-binding protein (p <0.05), and clinical scores (p <0.05) during the study. Height and growth velocity increased by 60% (p <0.05), and weight growth velocity increased by 63%. Arm- muscle circumference, triceps skinfolds, serum albumin, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and copper did not change significantly during tube feeding. Nocturnal feeding were safe and effective in promoting growth; however, most children with severe lung disease did not sustain the gains after cessation of tube feeding. Our findings indicate that continued nutritional support is needed to maintain the growth in malnourished children with severe lung disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]